Agency: Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service
Description:
Technical and financial assistance to state, local, and Tribal governments for design and construction of measures to help repair damages from a recent disaster to safeguard life and property. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, removing debris from stream channels, road culverts and bridges; reshaping and protecting eroded streambanks; correcting damaged or destroyed drainage facilities; establishing vegetative cover on critically eroding lands; repairing levees and structures; and property buyouts for communities and potential sponsors in limited resources areas.
The Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) does not require a disaster declaration by federal or state government officials – the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist can declare a local watershed emergency.
Bill Section:
Division J
New or Existing:
Existing
Potential Cost:
$300,000,000
Timeline:
Until expended.
Implementation Status/Rulemaking:
On January 26, 2024, the USDA Office of Inspector General released a report on IIJA Emergency Watershed Protection Program funding. More than $204.6 million in IIJA funds were obligated for 25 projects as of September 30, 2023: Source
A map of all watershed projects funded by IIJA is available here.
TCS Notes:
The allocation of IIJA funds is intended for repairing damages to waterways and watersheds resulting from natural disasters. Requires a 25% non-federal contribution.